Mary Johnston: From Bush to Bar

No roads, no electricity, no cars, no phones, no radios and definiely no TVs.

How did the early settlers in West Wallsend survive and prosper? Join Benita Parker as she shares stories of one such remarkable settler- Mary Johnston. Mary arrived in West Wallsend as a new bride in 1863 and resided in Westy until her death in 1918.

Mary Johnstone’s life was one of adventure, hard work, and resilience. Her story reflects that of many women and families who would have lived in West Wallsend during the 1800s. Married at the age of 15 to a man 20 years her senior, Mary had 12 children including Maggie Johnstone, the teenage taxidermist.

During this talk Benita will share stories on the Johnstone family’s humble beginnings to the Museum Hotel’s owners, what life would have been like in West Wallsend during the 1800s and a guided tour of the museum including special objects from the collection.

Cost: Adult ticket- $10, Child ticket - $5 plus booking fees

About Benita Parker

Benita's interest in history and heritage started during her training at Sydney Teachers College between 1956-1957. Benita taught History, Geography and PE in a number of Secondary Schools from 1958 -1988. During this time she also specialised in Special Education and taught in Papua/New Guinea. In 1988 Benita left teaching and took up a position as the inaugural Education Officer of the Newcastle Regional Museum when it was housed in the Brewery building in Hunter St. Newcastle.

Between 1965 and 2003, Benita raised her family with her husband Reverend Gary. In retirement Benita took up her interest in history, both family and local, and has written four books, a Family History, “The Branch” and “Pimlico, Where’s That?, “Karuah and District Centenary Commemoration World War 1, 1915-2015” (commissioned by the Karuah RSL) as well as many short booklets on specific places or people including 20 early family settlers in the Karuah District and a History of William Longworth, Mine Camp and J C Bonarius to name just a few.

Benita was the founding member and President of Karuah Local History Group until she and Gary moved to Cameron Park in 2016. Here her interests have included membership of Lake Macquarie Family History Group and West Wallsend District Heritage Group (WWDHG). As Vice President of WWDHG she continues her research and active involvement as a volunteer, researcher and tour guide at the Sugar Valley Library Museum.

About Sugar Valley Library Museum

The Sugar Valley Library Museum is located at the Cameron Park Plaza complex, on Portland Drive Cameron Park. There is dedicated Museum parking and accessible parking available adjacent to the building. The venue has no steps and has accessible bathrooms. The venue is easily accessed by public buses.